Murmurs are classified ("graded") depending on how loud the murmur sounds with a stethoscope. The grading is on a scale. Grade I can barely be heard. An example of a murmur description is a "grade II/VI murmur." (This means the murmur is grade 2 on a scale of 1 - 6).

In addition, a murmur is described by the stage of the heartbeat when the murmur is heard. A heart murmur may be described as systolic or diastolic.

When a murmur is more prominent, the doctor may be able to feel it with the palm of the hand over the heart.

The doctor will take the following into consideration when examining you:

Does the murmur occur when the heart is resting or contracting?

Does it last throughout the heartbeat?

Does it change when you move?

Can it be heard in other parts of the chest, on the back, or in the neck?

Where is the murmur heard the loudest?

Causes

Many heart murmurs are harmless. These types of murmur are called innocent murmurs. They will not cause any symptoms or problems. Innocent murmurs do not need treatment.